Christian Treatment Centers

Christian treatment centers base their policies on biblical principals, believing that a new life in Jesus Christ will reap healing and strength to face addiction of any kind. Treatment centers range from outpatient to short- and long-term inpatient programs. Christian treatment centers offer licensed counseling services and services to address physical and emotional needs. Some offer services free of charge, while others charge a fee that is covered by insurance plans.

Facing the Need

• Drug and alcohol abuse are realities that affect the lives of thousands of people every day. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2010, 52 percent of the adult population consumes alcohol on a regular basis, and almost 7 percent report they are alcoholics. Alcohol-related illnesses take the lives of 23,199 people each year. Statistics show that illicit drug use affects 8 percent of the population over the age of 12. Emergency room visits in 2006, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, accounted for 1,742,887 drug overdoses.

Residential Treatment

• Look for a residential treatment center that offers detox for drug and alcohol abuse. Medical staff is essential to monitor and treat physical needs. Each resident should receive a custom treatment plan to meet his individual needs. The recovery phase should include intense studies in the Bible and how to implement the scripture teachings into daily life. Individual and group counseling helps to discuss and meet challenges that can affect recovery. Christian fellowship is part of the daily activities, including church, prayer meetings and Bible studies. Some centers offer half-way houses to help in the transition back to society. Residential stays can range from 28 days to one year.

  Teen Challenge, (teenchallangeusa.com), for instance, has 200 residential centers across the United States. It serves people of all ages with drug and alcohol addictions. It offers a 12-month residential program. Pastor Dave Wilkerson, author of "The Cross and The Switchblade," started the program in 1958.

Out Patient Treatment

• Outpatient treatment centers utilize professional staff that set individual plans for clients. Most residential centers offer outpatient services. Meetings can include a 90-day, every-day visit or less, according to the patient's need. Many facilities use 12-step programs as a guide with emphasis on biblical teaching. Some Christian treatment centers address other problems, including food and sex addiction. Some treatment centers address women's issues including physical abuse. Redeemer's Recovery Ranch in Charlotte, North Carolina, (christiandrugtreatmentcenter.org) is an example of a women's treatment center that also offers outpatient services. Individual counseling, classes and group sessions are scheduled so that the individual does not miss school or work.

Considerations

• Consider a treatment center out of state to reduce some of the temptation of familiar places. Counseling is effective when the person receiving it is open to changing her life. Christian treatment centers will not accept a person into a program who is not willing to follow the guidelines. Entering a Christian treatment center does not mean a person has to be a Christian, but they should expect to receive Bible-based counseling.